Welcome to St. Peter's Parish
110 Ashford Dr Mt. Pearl NL A1N 3L6
Office (709) 364-8606 Fax (709) 364-8608
email: stpetersparish@nfld.net
Office (709) 364-8606 Fax (709) 364-8608
email: stpetersparish@nfld.net
In an effort to make the Church service run as smoothly as possible, we ask that you note the following:
* As our parking lot is one which is shared with St. Peter’s Elementary School during
weekdays we are only able to have celebrations at 9:30am, 10:00am or 10:30am
* When bringing flowers from the funeral home to the Church, please do not bring more
than 8 arrangements. This will help prevent over-crowding in the Sanctuary area.
* St. Peter’s Parish has an agreement with an organist and singer to provide music for
all funeral services.
* Our Community Room can be made available for a reception after the Church service.
St. Peter’s Parish will provide the tables, chairs, hot water heater and use of the
kitchen facilities. We DO NOT cater. It will be the responsibility of the family / friends
of the deceased to provide the food, coffee, tea, cups etc., as well as do the serving
and tidy the room after the reception.
Some questions and answers:
Can I give a eulogy at the funeral mass?
At the present time eulogies are not permitted at a Roman Catholic service. There will be an opportunity at the vigil (the evening before the funeral) for family and friends to share their thoughts and memories of the deceased.
Is Cremation allowed?
Yes, as long as it is not done for any anti-Christian reason.
Can I pick the hymns I want for the funeral?
We usually select hymns from the Catholic Book of Worship III or the Hymn Supplement used in our parish. Things to keep in mind when selecting hymns are they should be liturgical, easily sung by the community and familiar to the instrumentalist and cantor.
Who should I get to do the readings in Church?
It is a good idea to choose people who will proclaim the word in such a way that it ministers to all assembled for the mass. May we suggest that those chosen to read in Church gather with a member of the Bereavement Team in the chapel at the funeral home so as to better prepare for their ministry.
I’m not sure what to do in Church, can you help me?
At a time like this, even the most seasoned people are often unsure of themselves. That is why the Bereavement Team is here. We will be visiting you in the funeral home and we will also be at the Church when you get there. If you are uncertain about anything Please Ask!
Do I need to pay the priest or organist or cantor?
All charges for the services provided by various people will be taken care of by the funeral home.
I want to have a bulletin or program for Church. Where do I get these?
These bulletins are available from the Religious Book and Bible store on Thorburn Road, the Salvation Army store on Adams Avenue and other religious supply stores in the area. Preparation of bulletins is the responsibility of the family.
Dealing With Grief
While there is no magical solution to dealing with grief, we would like to offer some suggestions which may be of assistance to you:
* Go gently. Your body, mind and heart need energy to mend.
* Don’t overextend yourself. Keep decision making to a minimum.
* There is no fixed period of mourning. Grief takes time, whatever time it takes.
* Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those close to you.
* Accept help and support when offered.
* It’s okay to cry. Crying can help ease the pain and make you feel better.
* It’s okay to be angry. You may be angry with yourself, God , the person who died or others.
* Be good to yourself. Take a hot bath, go for a walk or take in a movie.
* Depression is not uncommon in those who grieve. Be careful not to totally withdraw
from others.
* Don’t throw yourself into your work or other activities so that you are left with no time
for grieving.
* Everyone handles loss differently and in their own time.
Don't Say Do Say
Maybe it's for the Best. I'm Sorry.
I know how you feel. Tell me how you feel.
It's a blessing in disguise. I can't imagine how painful this must be.
There must be a purpose in this. It is hard to see any meaning.
You musn't cry. (Say nothing and let them cry)
You've got to be strong. You're entitled to grieve.
Life must go on. You will make it through this.
It's God's will. It is difficult to see the meaning in this right now.
They are in a better place. You must really miss them.
You have to get over it. I'd like to help you through it.
You shouldn't wallow in self-pity. Tell me how you feel.
Get a hold of yourself. Let me offer my support.
Keep a stiff upper lip. It's OK to hurt and to grieve.
Be strong for the children. Can I help with the children.
Be thankful you have another child. You must miss THIS child.
God never gives us more than we can handle. I'm sorry for your loss.
You must keep busy. Give yourself time to grieve.
Be thankful that you had them so long. You must really miss them.
At least he lived a good long life. Death always comes too soon.
Time will make it better. Take your time to heal.
The Stages of Grief
The death of a loved one is one of the most stressful situations we will ever face in life. While it will not lessen the pain, please realize that what is happening to you is quite natural. Over the next while your emotions will probably alternate back and forth among the following:
* Shock and Denial - You may feel numb and a voice inside may be saying "No!"
There is denial and disbelief.
* Disorganization - You may be out of touch with the ordinary proceedings of life.
There is confusion. You break from your daily routine and may even be forgetful.
* Anger - You may be angry at God, doctors, the hospital, family or friends.
Don’t let these feelings simmer - get them out in a non-destructive way.
Often, talking openly helps diffuse the anger.
* Guilt and Bargaining - This is the period of the "if onlys". If only I had…, If only he had…,
If only we hadn’t… . This often results in unrealistic guilt.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation or a face-to-face talk with your priest can
be a tremendous help in dealing with these feelings.
* Physical and Emotional Distress - Some of the symptoms of physical distress
are sleeplessness, tightness in the throat, shortness of breath, sighing, and poor
appetite. Emotional distress symptoms are a sense of unreality, emotional distance
from people, feelings of panic, thoughts of self-destruction, or the desire to run away.
* Depression - Feelings of despair, self-pity, emptiness and hopelessness.
These feelings may be intensified in those with small families or who live alone.
* Loss and Loneliness - This is a very painful stage. The reality of the empty chair
at the table or the quiet house. Sadness and depression follow and self-pity
is frequent. Problems which were once shared become magnified when faced alone.
* Withdrawal - The bereaved withdraw from social relationships and activities.
Usual daily routines are disrupted.
* Acceptance - This stage begins slowly. Hope begins to soften feelings of guilt,
anger and the sense of loss. Acceptance will be mixed with feelings of anxiety
and guilt. With acceptance comes peace.
* Reaching out - When you emerge from your grief you will find that you have
grown in warmth, understanding and wisdom.
* As our parking lot is one which is shared with St. Peter’s Elementary School during
weekdays we are only able to have celebrations at 9:30am, 10:00am or 10:30am
* When bringing flowers from the funeral home to the Church, please do not bring more
than 8 arrangements. This will help prevent over-crowding in the Sanctuary area.
* St. Peter’s Parish has an agreement with an organist and singer to provide music for
all funeral services.
* Our Community Room can be made available for a reception after the Church service.
St. Peter’s Parish will provide the tables, chairs, hot water heater and use of the
kitchen facilities. We DO NOT cater. It will be the responsibility of the family / friends
of the deceased to provide the food, coffee, tea, cups etc., as well as do the serving
and tidy the room after the reception.
Some questions and answers:
Can I give a eulogy at the funeral mass?
At the present time eulogies are not permitted at a Roman Catholic service. There will be an opportunity at the vigil (the evening before the funeral) for family and friends to share their thoughts and memories of the deceased.
Is Cremation allowed?
Yes, as long as it is not done for any anti-Christian reason.
Can I pick the hymns I want for the funeral?
We usually select hymns from the Catholic Book of Worship III or the Hymn Supplement used in our parish. Things to keep in mind when selecting hymns are they should be liturgical, easily sung by the community and familiar to the instrumentalist and cantor.
Who should I get to do the readings in Church?
It is a good idea to choose people who will proclaim the word in such a way that it ministers to all assembled for the mass. May we suggest that those chosen to read in Church gather with a member of the Bereavement Team in the chapel at the funeral home so as to better prepare for their ministry.
I’m not sure what to do in Church, can you help me?
At a time like this, even the most seasoned people are often unsure of themselves. That is why the Bereavement Team is here. We will be visiting you in the funeral home and we will also be at the Church when you get there. If you are uncertain about anything Please Ask!
Do I need to pay the priest or organist or cantor?
All charges for the services provided by various people will be taken care of by the funeral home.
I want to have a bulletin or program for Church. Where do I get these?
These bulletins are available from the Religious Book and Bible store on Thorburn Road, the Salvation Army store on Adams Avenue and other religious supply stores in the area. Preparation of bulletins is the responsibility of the family.
Dealing With Grief
While there is no magical solution to dealing with grief, we would like to offer some suggestions which may be of assistance to you:
* Go gently. Your body, mind and heart need energy to mend.
* Don’t overextend yourself. Keep decision making to a minimum.
* There is no fixed period of mourning. Grief takes time, whatever time it takes.
* Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those close to you.
* Accept help and support when offered.
* It’s okay to cry. Crying can help ease the pain and make you feel better.
* It’s okay to be angry. You may be angry with yourself, God , the person who died or others.
* Be good to yourself. Take a hot bath, go for a walk or take in a movie.
* Depression is not uncommon in those who grieve. Be careful not to totally withdraw
from others.
* Don’t throw yourself into your work or other activities so that you are left with no time
for grieving.
* Everyone handles loss differently and in their own time.
Don't Say Do Say
Maybe it's for the Best. I'm Sorry.
I know how you feel. Tell me how you feel.
It's a blessing in disguise. I can't imagine how painful this must be.
There must be a purpose in this. It is hard to see any meaning.
You musn't cry. (Say nothing and let them cry)
You've got to be strong. You're entitled to grieve.
Life must go on. You will make it through this.
It's God's will. It is difficult to see the meaning in this right now.
They are in a better place. You must really miss them.
You have to get over it. I'd like to help you through it.
You shouldn't wallow in self-pity. Tell me how you feel.
Get a hold of yourself. Let me offer my support.
Keep a stiff upper lip. It's OK to hurt and to grieve.
Be strong for the children. Can I help with the children.
Be thankful you have another child. You must miss THIS child.
God never gives us more than we can handle. I'm sorry for your loss.
You must keep busy. Give yourself time to grieve.
Be thankful that you had them so long. You must really miss them.
At least he lived a good long life. Death always comes too soon.
Time will make it better. Take your time to heal.
The Stages of Grief
The death of a loved one is one of the most stressful situations we will ever face in life. While it will not lessen the pain, please realize that what is happening to you is quite natural. Over the next while your emotions will probably alternate back and forth among the following:
* Shock and Denial - You may feel numb and a voice inside may be saying "No!"
There is denial and disbelief.
* Disorganization - You may be out of touch with the ordinary proceedings of life.
There is confusion. You break from your daily routine and may even be forgetful.
* Anger - You may be angry at God, doctors, the hospital, family or friends.
Don’t let these feelings simmer - get them out in a non-destructive way.
Often, talking openly helps diffuse the anger.
* Guilt and Bargaining - This is the period of the "if onlys". If only I had…, If only he had…,
If only we hadn’t… . This often results in unrealistic guilt.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation or a face-to-face talk with your priest can
be a tremendous help in dealing with these feelings.
* Physical and Emotional Distress - Some of the symptoms of physical distress
are sleeplessness, tightness in the throat, shortness of breath, sighing, and poor
appetite. Emotional distress symptoms are a sense of unreality, emotional distance
from people, feelings of panic, thoughts of self-destruction, or the desire to run away.
* Depression - Feelings of despair, self-pity, emptiness and hopelessness.
These feelings may be intensified in those with small families or who live alone.
* Loss and Loneliness - This is a very painful stage. The reality of the empty chair
at the table or the quiet house. Sadness and depression follow and self-pity
is frequent. Problems which were once shared become magnified when faced alone.
* Withdrawal - The bereaved withdraw from social relationships and activities.
Usual daily routines are disrupted.
* Acceptance - This stage begins slowly. Hope begins to soften feelings of guilt,
anger and the sense of loss. Acceptance will be mixed with feelings of anxiety
and guilt. With acceptance comes peace.
* Reaching out - When you emerge from your grief you will find that you have
grown in warmth, understanding and wisdom.
Funerals & Bereavement Ministry
Who are we?
We are the Bereavement Team from St. Peter’s Parish in Mt. Pearl. We are here to do whatever we can to be of service to you during this time of loss and grief. We would like to meet with one or two family members to select readings and hymns and plan a service which will celebrate the life of your loved one. If, at any time you have any questions, or you believe we may be of any assistance to you, please feel free to contact the Parish Office @ 364-8606.
Who are we?
We are the Bereavement Team from St. Peter’s Parish in Mt. Pearl. We are here to do whatever we can to be of service to you during this time of loss and grief. We would like to meet with one or two family members to select readings and hymns and plan a service which will celebrate the life of your loved one. If, at any time you have any questions, or you believe we may be of any assistance to you, please feel free to contact the Parish Office @ 364-8606.